Dave Chapelle, Damian Marley and Dynamo among the guests as the Star & Garter re-opens with a huge St Paul's street party
Posted on: 03 Jun 2019The stars were out in St Paul's this weekend as the much-loved Star & Garter pub celebrated its re-opening with a huge community street party on Saturday 1st June. The pub set up a stage in the neighbouring park and several food & drinks stalls served thousands of attendees as Dynamo, Roni Size, Damian Marley and, somehow, world-famous comedian Dave Chapelle provided the entertainment.
Once owned by the late Dutty Ken who sadly passed away in 2017, the Star & Garter was recently taken over by Malcolm Haynes, a well-known promoter who was instrumental in the return of St Paul's Carnival last summer. Haynes has revamped the pub with an inside-and-out refurbishment, increased its capacity and put it back on the map with an unforgettable opening.
With drinks flowing both inside the pub and at neighbouring shops and stalls and word spreading that something big was going down, Bristolians made their way to the area in droves and were met by a huge soundsystem, an appearance from acclaimed magician Dynamo, music from local DJs and, bizarrely, a cameo from comedian Dave Chapelle to draw the raffle prizes.
Chapelle's appearance sent the crowd crazy and will go down as one of the most unexpected involvements of anyone at a Bristol event, and it mas made even more confusing by the fact that he only came down to do the raffle. Presenting three prizes (including a huge stuffed lion and a crate of Red Stripe) to three lucky winners, he paid tribute to the pub and the people of Bristol on stage before making way for more music.
The party atmosphere was yet another example of Bristol doing what it does best - bringing people together to celebrate good music, good food and good times. The stars aligned to allow legendary reggae artist Damian Marley to take the stage towards the end of the day (he was in town to perform at the O2 Academy the same night) before none other than Roni Size closed proceedings in front of a hometown crowd.
Bristol remains the best city in the world. Pub re opening turned mini carnival REAL QUICK. Best day yesterday ?????? pic.twitter.com/Yiu7H3r9Qh
— Maya Jama (@MayaJama) 2 June 2019
A small section of people broke away to watch the Champions League final at 8pm, but that didn't affect the atmosphere in the slightest as the proud Bristol crowd continued to swell. The Star & Garter's reopening was the perfect precursor to the 2019 St Paul's Carnival next month, and certainly a day to remember for Malcolm Haynes and the people of the city.
The Star & Garter is located at 33 Brook Rd, Bristol BS6 5LR.
Article by:
Editor - 365Bristol.com & LOUD Magazine
Matt is a Journalism graduate and writer, passionate about supporting Bristol music, art and independent business. Get in touch via email at matt@365bristol.com.
